Talented, passionate, and curious about everything, nothing escapes the hands of Dani Usero. Born in Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona) in 1991, he first showed signs of interest in rhythm at the age of 7. At the age of 14, at the hand of Serginho Moreira, Dani studied musical rudiments on the drums.
The guitar didn’t take long to make its way into his life. Although the drums played a bigger role in his musical development, little by little the guitar acquired more prominence as Dani began to study music theory at the Núria Garriga School of Music, with the guidance from professors like Judit Canyelles and Adam Kaüf.
In 2012, Dani took a leap and moved to Barcelona to study Modern Music and Jazz with the help of masters like Paco Salas, Bartolomeo Barenghi, and Santi Careta. After just a few years Dani was accepted at the Superior Conservatory of Music where he studied Modern Guitar with professors Jordi Bonell, Dani Pérez, and Jaume Llombart.
In addition to music, Dani Usero has made his foray into the world of acting and film, participating in short independent films which have led him to work with some of the best actors at a national level. As part of his triple act, Dani also has a passion for dancing. He has done some basic training in styles such as Lindy Hop and Salsa with the goal to develop his dance skills in the future.
After knowing some details about Dani Usero’s life, let’s now welcome him to this writing space!
Dani Usero, tell us about your Ukulele story!
My story with the ukulele starts at the beginning of 2011 as a young student of modern guitar at the conservatory. I have always loved discovering and playing new instruments, and the ukulele was the one that has grown and matured the most with me all these years.
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How did you get started with music and what lead you to the ukulele?
My history with music started when I was a teenager. My first instrument was the drums and I studied the rudiments of Brazilian rhythm. In a few years, I began to be interested in the guitar, and when I decided to study music professionally, I chose the Modern and Jazz music career, with a specialization in electric guitar.
And about the ukulele, it was totally a fluke! I discovered it on the internet and as soon as I had the opportunity, I bought it and started experimenting with it, adapting the guitar directly to it.
Who are your role models in the Ukulele world?
The first one, with no doubt, was Jake Shimabukuro. His cover of bohemian rhapsody at TED Talks made my head explode and showed me the potential that an instrument like the ukulele could have. Taimane also caught my attention, with the great speed of her right hand and her delicacy on stage. The last of the great trio of ukulele players I would like to include is James Hill, because of his good style of playing jazz and his inventive strummings.
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I have never been a good composer, I have always preferred covers, first in jazz with standards and later with the ukulele. The songs that inspire me by ear, inspire me to play them and see them from other perspectives, changing their style, their tempo, and their dynamics.
What 3 tips can you give to people that are starting to learn and improve on the ukulele?
Probably the tips for playing the ukulele can be the same as what would be recommended in real life:
- Learn to have patience and be constant. It’s funny as an adult when you see a child who tells you that he wants to grow up now to get those things that he thinks will give him happiness. What do you think as an adult? Patience, dear, everything arrives in this life, keep improving, and enjoy the path you travel. There will come a day that without you realizing it, you will look back and see that young inexperienced ukulele player who wanted to look like his idol.
- What I tell all my students: The metronome is your best friend. Most students start learning things in any way, like a tree whose branches grow in all directions without control. The metronome will be your pruning shears, and although it may be heavy, it will make you measure and see your evolution by making your branches grow straight and upwards.
- Inspiration. Get inspired every day. Listen and discover new music related to the ukulele, discover new ukulele players, and see music live whenever you can. Inspiration will enlighten you every day to pick up your ukulele and to learn things that otherwise you would not see in your life.
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What lessons have you learned from being a performer/influencer/musician?
As a performer, I have always enjoyed the stage, sharing my music and seeing people receive it with joy. I guess this is the same pleasure as any artist. I am grateful for all the contacts that the influencer world and social media have given me, shortening the world to be able to get to know each other.
ABOUT THE UKE-CON FESTIVAL 2022:
What are you excited about for the UKE-CON Summer Ukulele Festival?
The cool part of festivals is always interacting with people, getting to know their stories and where they come from. If we add to that the incredible ukulele players that play at the festival, we have the complete pack.
What are you most looking forward to at UKE-CON?
My purpose is to take the best experience and remember all the moments with love.
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Tickets are almost sold out! Do you have any words for the attendees (both in person and virtual)?
I would like to thank them for coming and wish them to enjoy the festival as much as I will.
UKE-CON is a great opportunity for people to connect with their ukulele teachers/artists/mentors. What do you like the most about being part of this one-of-a-kind ukulele community?
I love the diversity of ages and nationalities in this underground world. There is always someone interesting to meet.
ABOUT YOU:
What are you currently working on (professionally and personally) that you are excited about?
It’s been a few years since I finished my studies, so as a novelty this year I have decided to do a master’s degree in education. It is something that motivates me a lot as a personal challenge.
What is your favorite quote or what words of wisdom can you share with us?
You can never know more than you will learn tomorrow, but at least you will have something more than you had yesterday. Patience and perseverance.
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Share one funny story about yourself that most people don’t know.
I remember the day I bought my first ukulele. I didn’t know if I’d like it, so I bought a second-hand soprano. I bought it super happy until I realized that the fourth string was higher than the third. I was used to guitar strings so I thought I had been ripped off😂
A vintage post:
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How can people learn more about you and reach out to you? Do you have a website/store/channel where people can find your content?
Mainly you can see my adaptations and covers on Instagram and YouTube by searching for me as @daniukuleleworld. In addition, I have a website where you can consult other information and contact me for projects or jobs.
Awesome!!! We’re really excited to see you at the UKE-CON Festival 2022 in San Diego, California, on August 27th. Preparing the engines in 3……… 2……… 1……!
